Safety shutoff valve for controlling fluid flow from gas storage wells and reservoirs

ABSTRACT

A control valve is run and set in a cased well bore, and preferably in connection with a packer, or the like, secured to the well bore casing. A plug is set in the valve, after which a tubing is connected to the plug and fluid pressure applied thereto to open the valve so that gas from the well or reservoir can flow through the packer, or the like, and open valve into the tubing-casing annulus and into a gas delivery line at the top of the well bore. The valve is tapered to provide a greater annular area between it and the well casing to allow unrestricted flow of gas from the well at a very high rate. In the event of damage to the surface equipment, the well pressure automatically closes the control valve.

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Salerni 1 Feb. 1, 1972 [54] SAFETY SHUTQFF VALVE FOR 3,361,212 1/1968 Page, .lr. ..l66/224 3,431,933 3/1969 Tidd ..137/119 CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW FROM 3,433,303 3/1969 Clark, Jr. et a1... ..166/l84 GAS STORAGE WELLS AND 3,533,430 10/1970 Fredd 137 112 3,294,174 12/1966 Vincent... 3,356,145

RESERVOIRS John v. Salami, Whittier, Calif.

Baker Oil Tools, Inc., Commerce, Calif.

Apr. 27, 1970 Inventor:

Assignee:

Filed:

Appl.No.:

Related U.S. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 15,403, Mar. 2, 1970, Pat. No.

References Cited UNTTEQ STATES PATENT S Primary Examiner'.lames A. Leppink Attorney-Bemard Kriegel [5 7] ABSTRACT A control valve is run and set in a cased well bore, and preferably in connection with a packer, or the like, secured to the well bore casing. A plug is set in the valve, after which a tubing is connected to the plug and fluid pressure applied thereto to open the valve so that gas from the well or reservoir can flow through the packer, or the like, and open valve into the tubing-casing annulus and into a gas delivery line at the top of the well bore. The valve is tapered to provide a greater annular area between it and the well casing to allow unrestricted flow of gas from the well at a very high rate. In the event of damage to the surface equipment, the well pressure automatically closes the control valve.

2 91 1 1 5, 2 -n iiaqtei mama FEB H972 3638724 SHEET 3 0F 7 EFQAQ.

SAFETY SHUTOFF VALVE FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW FROM GAS STORAGE WELLS AND RESERVOIRS The present invention is division of application Ser. No. 15,403, filed Mar. 2, 1970 now US. Pat. No. 3,580,332, for Apparatus for Controlling Fluid Flow From Gas Storage Wells and Reservoirs."

The present invention relates to well bore apparatus, and more particularly to subsurface apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid between the well bore and reservoir communicating therewith and the top of the well bore.

Prior devices are known for automatically shutting off fluid flow from a well bore in the event of damage to the surface connections, as, for example, to the wellhead or to a delivery pipeline. If gas is being produced from a gas well or underground gas storage reservoir, disruption of the surface connections will be accompanied by a substantial drop in gas pressure and thereby effect automatic closure of a safety valve disposed in the well bore. In connection with gas storage wells, it is necessary to withdraw gas at a very high rate during peak demand periods. However, prior devices embodying subsurface safety shutoff valves have had insufficient flow area therethrough, and between such devices and the well casing in which they are located, imposing severe restrictions on the rate at which the gas can flow. As an example, in the US. application of Gonzalo Vazquez and John V. Salerni, Ser. No. 752,366, filed Aug. 13, 1968, for Disaster Valve, a sleeve valve is disclosed to which a plug can be latched for the purpose of closing the passage therethrough such that a predetermined gas pressure differential can shift the sleeve valve longitudinally of an associated valve housing for the purpose of shutting off the valve. However, the valve housing or body is comparatively close to the wall of the surrounding well casing, reducing the annular area through which the gas can flow such gas proceeding upwardly through a tubing-casing annulus to the delivery line at the top of the well bore.

In prior equipment, such as that exemplified in the aboveidentified patent application, it is desirable to employ a well packer having a maximum flow passage therethrough. However, the advantages of a large flow passage through the packer are nullified to some extent by the restriction that the safety shutoff valve offers to the flow of fluid into the tubingcasing annulus.

By virtue of apparatus embodying the present invention, a safety valve is employed having a large port area through which the gas, or other fluids, can flow, the safety valve being such that the annulus into which the gas flows from the ports has a much greater area than was heretofore possible to provide, thereby permitting the gas to flow through a large diameter packer passage, ports with large areas, and a large tubingcasing annulus to the top of the well bore, and without restrictions. Accordingly, during peak operating periods, gas can be withdrawn from the gas storage well or reservoir at a very high rates. In the event of damage to or failure of the equipment, the safety valve automatically shuts in the well. Closing of the safety valve is also effected whenever desired from a remote point. More specifically, a predetermined pressure drop in tubing string connected to the apparatus and extending to the top of the well bore will cause the gas, or other fluid, pressure below the valve to automatically effect its closing.

More specifically, a tapered, rotary type of plug valve is employed in which straight line longitudinal motion of a valve actuator is converted into rotary movement of the plug valve between open and closed conditions, the small diameter end of the tapered valve facing upwardly to provide a relative large annular area with a surrounding well casing, and also permit the use of a smaller diameter tubing string connected to the valve which defines a large annular passage with the surrounding well casing through which gas, or the like, can flow to the top of the well bore.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form in which it may be embodied. This form is shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. It will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGS. 1a and 1b together constitute a side elevational view, portions being disclosed in section and diagrammatically, of an apparatus embodying the invention, with parts in condition for delivering well bore fluid to the top thereof;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic views illustrating different conditions relating to the operation of the well bore equipment illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section through the upper portion of the apparatus, illustrating the lowering of a blanking plug to the region of the safety valve therebelow.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing the blanking plug landed in place;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrating the running tool released from the blanking plug;

FIGS. 12a and 12b together constitute a longitudinal section through the safety valve portion of the apparatus, with the valve in closed condition, FIG. 12b being a lower continuation of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13 is a cross section taken along the line 13-13 on FIG. 12b;

FIGS. 14a and 14b together constitute a longitudinal section through the safety valve in opened condition, FIG. 1412 being a lower continuation of FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15 is a view taken along the line 15-15 on FIG. 14b;

FIG. 16 is a cross section taken along the line 16-16 on FIG. 14b; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, combined sectional and side elevational view illustrating the blanking plug latched into the valve operating member.

In FIGS. 11: and lb, a somewhat diagrammatic illustration of a portion of the apparatus embodying the invention is disclosed, with the parts in position for delivering gas from an underground reservoir (not shown) to a gas delivery line 10. A well bore 11 extends downwardly from the ground surface to the location of the gas reservoir, there being a suitable master valve 12 at the top ofa casing 20, the gas delivery line 10 controlled by a valve 13, and a suitable head 14 communicating with a fluid pressure line 15, from which fluid under pressure can press into a tubing string 16 connected to the head and extending downwardly in the well casing to operative connection with a safety valve 17 secured to a suitable well packer 18 depending therefrom, which is illustrated as having been anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing 20. The gas will flow from the reservoir into the packer 18 and out through ports 21, 22 in the safety valve above the packer into an annulus 23 surrounding the safety valve, flowing upwardly through the tubing-casing annulus 24 to the gas delivery line 10.

The well packer may be of the type illustrated and described in the above-identified application, Ser. No. 15,403, being anchored to the well casing in packed-off condition against movement in both longitudinal directions by slips 48, 5'7 and a packing device 45, 46.

The packer 18 is attached to a lower valve body section 68, the upper end of which is threadedly secured to an upper valve body section 91 having a plurality of elongate, circumferentially spaced ports 21 through an upwardly tapering or converging section 92 thereof (FIGS. 12b, 14b). The small diameter portion of the tapered valve body section is laterally spaced from the wall of the casing 20 to a considerable extent, providing a large annular space 23 therebetween, the valve body portion 92a being of cylindrical from above the small end of its frustoconical or tapered portion. A plug valve 93 is rotatably mounted within the frustoconical portion 92 of the valve body, having elongate ports 22 extending therethrough conforming in number, shape and spacing with the body ports 21 so that the alignment between the plug valve ports 22 and the body ports 21 provides a large flow area for gas therethrough from the packer, through the lower valve body section 68 and into the relatively large area annulus 23 between the upper cylindrical body portion 92a and the well casing 20. Downward movement of the plug valve 93 is limited by its engagement with the upper end of the lower valve body section 68; whereas, its upward movement is prevented by its upwardly facing shoulder 94 hearing against the lower end of a suitable thrust bearing 95 that engages a downwardly facing shoulder 96 on an internal flange 97 provided in the cylindrical valve body portion 92. A cylindrical plug valve extension 98 extends upwardly from its tapered portion, such extension having a pair of opposed inclined cam slots 99 therein in which pins 100 are received carried by and extending inwardly from a longitudinally slidable actuator sleeve 101 which is prevented from rotating by one or a plurality of keys 102 thereon riding in longitudinal keyways 103 within the upper portion of the cylindrical valve body extension 92a (FIGS. 12a, 14a). The slidable sleeve 101 is adapted to occupy a lower position in engagement with the flange 97, at which time its cam pins or followers 100 are disposed in the lower portions of the inclined cam slots 99, the plug body 93 then being disposed in the position in which its ports 22 are aligned with the body ports 21 (FIGS. 14a, 14b). Upward shifting of the slidable actuator sleeve 101, which is prevented from rotating by reception of its keys 102 within the keyways 103, carries the follower pins 100 upwardly in the inclined cam slots 99 (FIG. and turns or rotates the plug valve body 93 so that, when the siidable sleeve 101 is in its uppermost position in engagement with a top sub 104 threadedly secured to the upper end of the valve body 92, the plug valve ports 22 are completely out of alignment with the body ports 21, the valve 17 then being in a closed position (FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13). A side seal ring 101a on the sleeve 101 engages the body portion 92a to prevent leakage therebetween.

As specifically illustrated by way of example, the cam slots 99 are inclined so that a full stroke of the slidable sleeve 101 from its lowermost to its uppermost position will turn the valve body 93, 45, since there are four ports 22 and 21 in the plug valve member 93 and in the surrounding body portion 92 (F168. 13 and 16). As disclosed in FIGS. 14b and 16, the ports 22, 21 are aligned and the valve is in a fully opened condition; whereas, FIGS. 12b and 13 illustrate the plug valve member 93 having been turned 45 so that the ports are fully disaligned, the valve then being in a closed condition.

To prevent fluid leakage between the plug valve 93 and the surrounding body 92, the plug valve has upper and lower circumferential seal rings 105 mounted thereon above and below its ports 22 sealinglyengaging the inner wall of the plug body portion 92 above and below its ports 21. The plug body also has longitudinal seals 106 (FIGS. 12b, 13) mounted thereon between its ports 22 and extending from the upper to the lower seals 105, so as to provide a seal completely around each plug body port 22, to prevent fluid from flowing through the plug body ports 22 and around the plug body exterior into the valve body ports 21 when the valve 17 is in the closed condition, such as disclosed in FIGS. 12b and 13.

The top sub 104 secured to the upper valve body section 92a is threadedly secured to a coupling 110, which is in turn, threadedly attached to a seal nipple 111 having a pair of opposed radial lock pins 112 projecting therefrom. As illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, the well packer 18 and valve mechanism 17 connected thereto are run in the well casing by means of a setting tool 113 secured to a wire line 114 extending to the top of the well bore. The setting tool is of a known type, for example, being of the specific type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,546, in which its upper end is secured to the wire line. The setting tool includes a setting sleeve 115 operatively related to the seal nipple 111 and coupling 110. This setting sleeve is shifted downwardly as a result of operation of the setting too! 113. The setting tool also includes a tension rod 117 that extends through the seal nipple 111, coupling 110, top sub 104, slidable sleeve 101, plug body 93, valve body 91, 68 and packer 18, its lower end being secured to a tension release stud 122 secured to an abutment 120 underlying and engaging a lower portion 01 the packer 18. The release stud 122 has a weakened section at which it can pull apart when a certain predetermined setting force has been imposed on the well packet.

in a known manner, described in the above U.S. Pat. No. 2,640,546, the setting tool 113 is actuated, after lowering of the packer and valve apparatus to the position in which the well packer is to be set within the casing. The setting force developed in the tool shifts the setting sleeve downwardly and pulls upwardly on the tension rod 117, effecting setting of the well packer 18. As the force developed in the setting tool increases, the slips 48, 57 are anchored more firmly against the well casing and the packing elements 45 are forced into sealed relation against the casing 20. The force eventually exceeds the strength of the release stud 122, pulling the stud apart at its weakened point, which allows the lower portion of the stud and the abutment to drop down in the well here. The wire line 114 can now be elevated to remove the setting tool 113 from the anchored packer l8 and valve mechanism 17 thereabove, leaving the bore of the packer and of the valve body unobstructed, the packer then being in the condition shown diagrammatically in H6. 3.

A blanking plug 125 is then run into the well casing and set within the slidable sleeve 101 of the flow control valve 17. This blanking plug (see FIG. 17 particularly) includes a seal body 126 threadedly secured to a latch body 127 having slots 128 therein in which locking dogs 129 are mounted on pivot pins 130. The upper portions 131 of the dogs are biased outwardly by springs 132, which swing their lower nose portions 133 inwardly of the passage 134 through the mandrel to the extent limited by engagement of the lower foot portions 135 of the dogs with the bottoms of the slots 128. The upper dogs or fingers 131 are adapted to spring outwardly into a lock groove 136 in the slidable sleeve 101, the plug carrying side seals 137 for sealing with the inner wall of the sleeve to close the passage therethrough. The mandrel 127 has an upper head 138 releasably secured to a running tool 139 by a shear pin 140, the running tool being attached to the lower end of a wire line 141 adapted to extend to the top of the well bore (FIGS. 9, 10, 11

The blanking plug 125 is of a much lesser diameter than the inside diameter of the well casing 20, in view of its being required to pass through the aligned passages through the seal nipple 111, coupling 110, top sub 104 and into the slidable sleeve 101. It is desirable to approximately center the blanking plug for entry of its lower tapered nose or guide portion 142 into the passage in the seal nipple 111. Accordingly, a tubular guide member 143 of a maximum outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the casing is releasably secured to the running tool 139 by a shear pin 144, with the guide member surrounding the blanking plug 125 and terminating a short distance below its lower end 142. This guide member has a downwardly flaring mouth 145 for guiding it over the upper end of the seal nipple 111 and to center it with respect thereto.

When the blanking plug 125, with the guide member 143 secured thereto, is lowered through the well casing 20, the guide member will land upon the seal nipple 111 (FIG. 9), whereupon a downward jarring force is imposed on the running tool 139 to shear the pin 144, thus freeing the running too! from the guide member. At this time, the lower end 142 of the blanking plug 25 is adjacent to the seal nipple 111 and can readily enter its passage upon lowering of the wire line running tool 139 and blanking plug 125 attached thereto. Such lowering action occurs until a shoulder 146 on the latch body 127 engages a companion upwardly facing shoulder 147 in the slidable sleeve 101 at which time the upper dogs or fingers 131 of the latches are disposed opposite the groove 136, the fingers being forced outwardly by the springs 132 into such groove, as disclosed in F168. 10, 14a, 14b, 17. An upward pull can now be taken on the wire line 141, the dogs 131 engaging the upper side 136a of the groove 136, enabling an upward drawing force to be taken on the wire line and running tool 139 to shear the pin and thereby release the running tool from the latch body 127. The wire line 141 is elevated to carry the running tool 139 upwardly with it, which will engage the upper end 149 of the guide 143, the entire combination then being elevated to the top of the well bore.

During the taking to the upward pull on the wire line 141 and running tool 139 to release the latter from the latch body, the latch body 127 and dogs 131 pull the slidable sleeve upwardly within the upper valve body portion 92a, causing its follower pins 100 to slide upwardly along the inclined guide slots 99 and turn the plug valve body 93 to the closed position in which its ports 22 are out of alignment with the valve body ports 21 (FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13). As described above, the wire line with the running tool and guide 143 are then removed from the well casing 20.

A tubing string 16 is now lowered in the well casing (FIG. In), this tubing string having a lower head 150 adapted to slide over the seal nipple 111 and also having a J-slot arrangement 151 cooperable with the lock pins 112 to releasably secure the head to the seal nipple. The head 150 carries an internal seal 152 for sealingly engaging the periphery of the nipple 111 above the pins 112. As the head moves over the seal nipple, the inclined surface portion 153 of the J-slot will engage the lock pins 112 and turn the head to the position in which the pins are disposed in the vertical locking portions 154 of the .1- slots, as disclosed in FIGS. 1:: and 14a. The engagement of the upper ends of such slots 154 with the pins will prevent further downward movement of the tubing string 16 along the seal nipple 111; whereas upward movement of the tubing string will cause the lower ends of the J-slot portions 154 to engage the pins.

The connections at the top of the well can now be completed. Thus, the head 14 is secured to the upper end of the tubing string, the fluid pressure line 15 extending from this head and communicating with the interior of the tubing string. The gas delivery line is connected to communicate with the tubing-casing annulus 24.

The valve 17 is in its closed position during lowering of the tubing string 16 in the casing, the connection of the tubing string to the seal nipple 111, and the completion of the con nections at the top of the well bore. Pressure from a suitable source is now directed through the line into the interior of the tubing string 16, this pressure acting downwardly on the slidable sleeve 101 and blanking plug 125 sealed therewithin, which function as a piston, shifting the slidable sleeve 101 downwardly and rotating the plug valve 93 to its open position (FIGS. 14a, 14b, 16). The gas or other fluid can now flow upwardly through the packer 18 into the plug valve 17 and through the aligned ports 22, 21 into the annulus 23 surrounding the valve, for continued upward movement through the tubing-casing annulus 24 to the gas delivery line 10.

In the event of relieving of the pressure in the tubing 16 to a predetermined value below the gas pressure within the well packer 18, the pressure differential will act upon the blanking plug 25 and the slidable sleeve valve 101, shifting them upwardly, the follower pins 100 sliding upwardly in the inclined cam slots 99 to rotate the plug valve 93 to its closed position, thereby shutting off the flow through the ports 21 and into the tubing-casing annulus 24 (FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13). This action will occur in the event of damage to the surface connections, such as a break in the gas delivery line 10 or the pressure line 15 leading to the tubing string 16. The delivery line and line leading to the tubing string are interconnected by a known mechanism (not shown) so that reduction of pressure in the gas delivery line 10, as by a break therein, will relieve or dump the pressure in the tubing string, causing the well or reservoir pressure to effect automatic closing of the plug valve.

In the event it is desired to retrieve the shutoff valve and well packer combination 17, 18 from the well casing 20, the tubing string 16 is first removed from the well casing by appropriately turning the tubing string and its head 150, which will effect rotation of the J-slot 151 relative to the lock pins 112, enabling the head to be pulled off the seal nipple 111. Following removal of the tubing string from the well casing, a

suitable retrieving tool 159 (FIG. 7) is lowered on a wire line 161 through the casing, this tool being of a known type (see U.S. Pat. no. 2,885,007), and being capable of latching onto the retrieving head 138 of the latch body 127, while a probe (not shown) enters the passage 134 and engages the inwardly directed latch noses 133 to shift them outwardly and the upper dog or finger portions 137 inwardly from the groove 136. An upward pull on the wire line 161, the retrieving tool 159 and the blanking plug assembly 125 will now remove the latter from the slidable sleeve 101, allowing the blanking plug to be elevated to the top of the well bore.

The passages through the safety valve 17 and packer 18 are now open and capable of receiving a packer releasing and retrieving mechanism as disclosed in the above-identified application Ser. No. 15,403, by means of which the packer 18 and valve mechanism are withdrawn from the well casing.

The sequence of operation of the equipment is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 to 8, inclusive. FIG. 2 discloses the lowering of the packer and safety valve combination 18, 17 on the wire line operated setting equipment 113 in the well casing 20. When the setting location is reached, the packer 18 is set and the release stud disrupted at its weakened section of the stud 122, permitting the retaining abutment to drop down into the well bore. The setting tool 113 and wire line 114 are then removed from the casing. This operation occurs through use of a lubricator at the top of the well bore, to confine the well or reservoir pressure within the casing.

In FIG. 3, the packer 18 has been set and the blanking plug has been lowered on the wire line 141 into the apparatus for latching connection with the slidable actuating sleeve. Here again, the blanking plug is run in through a lubricator. As a result of release of the running tool 139 from the blanking plug 125, the actuating sleeve 101 is shifted upwardly to close the safety valve, a condition depicted in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 4, the safety valve 17 is still in its closed condition, the tubing string 16 having been lowered through the well casing and connected to the seal nipple 111. The surface connections at the top of the well bore are then completed, as disclosed in FIG. 1a, pressure being applied to the fluid in the tubing string to shift the safety valve 17 to its opened condition, as shown in FIG. 5.

As disclosed in FIG. 6, the pressure in the tubing string has been relieved so that the reservoir or well pressure will have shifted the blanking plug 125 and actuating sleeve 101 upwardly to close the safety valve, whereupon the tubing string 16 has been disconnected from the seal nipple 111 and removed from the well casing 20. After this has occurred, the retrieving tool 159 can be lowered on a wire line 161, through use of a lubricator at the top of the well bore, to latch on to the blanking plug 125 and release it from the actuating sleeve 101 and remove it from the well casing to the top of the well bore (FIG. 7).

A packer releasing and retrieving tool 160 (see application Ser. No. 15,403) is now lowered on the wire line 163 through use of a lubricator, the retrieving tool 160 being coupled to the seal nipple 111 so that the well packet 18 can be released and removed from the well casing (FIG. 8).

All necessary operations can be carried out without the necessity for killing" the well, since the valve 17 is only in its opened condition when the tubing string 16 is in place, with the well packer 18 anchored in packed-off condition in the well casing and with the surface connections intact. Otherwise, the valve is in its closed condition or, if the passage through the well packer 18 and valve 17 is open, as when the packer is in an unset condition, or the blanking plug 125 is to be run into the valve 17 or removed therefrom, the top of the well casing is closed through use of the lubricator in conjunction with a wire line employed for setting the packer, running the blanking plug in or out of its latched position within the actuating sleeve 101, or retrieving the well packer 18 and valve 17 from the well casing.

The above arrangement permits a well packer to be used that has a passage 76 of a very large cross-sectional area. The

advantage of such large cross-sectional area remains undiminished, since the ports 22, 21 when aligned, can be pro vided of a combined area at least as great as the packer passage area. Moreover, because of the tapered valve used, a large annular area 23 remains between the valve body 91 at the location of discharge of the gas, or other fluid, from the ports 22, 21 and the surrounding well casing. This annular area can be at least as great as the area through the packer passage, and, in fact, it can be substantially greater. This is to be distinguished from the use of a safety valve in which the port are provided in a cylindrical body. as distinguished from a frustoconical body, the cylindrical body being disposed much closer to the wall of the well casing, as compared with the present frustoconical body construction. With a cylindrical body in the region of its port area, the annular area between such body and the well casing will be much less than the area of the packer body passage, severly limiting the flow of the fluid from the packer and the open ports, regardless of their area.

With applicants safety valve arrangement, gas can flow from the storage reservoir through the packer passage 76, open ports 22, 21 and upwardly through the annular space 23, 24 between the valve body 91 and casing 20, and between the tubing string 16 and casing to the gas delivery line at a very high rate, when required, the gas flow through the apparatus being unrestricted.

I claim:

1. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports and a central passage adapted to communicate therewith and extending longitudinally in one direction from said one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means and extending with respect to said one or more side ports in the opposite longitudinal direction; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions.

2. in a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said one or more side ports being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.

3. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot.

4. in a valve assembly as defined in claim 3; said one or more side ports being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.

5. in a valve assembiy as defined in claim 1; said valve member having a central passage communicating with said central passage of said body means and also having one or more side ports opening to said valve member passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.

6. in a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member having a central passage communicating with said central passage of said body means and also having one or more side ports opening to said valve member passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said one or more side ports of said body means being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said one or more side ports of said valve member being in a frustoconical portion of said valve member disposed within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.

7. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 3; said valve member having a central passage and one or more side ports opening to said passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said one or more side ports of said body means being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said one or more side ports of said valve member being in a frustoconical portion of said valve member disposed within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.

8. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.

9. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitu dinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said valve member having a central passage and one or more side ports opening to said passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said actuating member having a passage communicating with said central passage; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close said actuating member passage; said plug and actuating member being responsive to fluid pressure in said central passage to be shifted longitudinally of said valve member by such fluid pressure to effect turning of said valve member in said body means.

10. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a central passage adapted to communicate therewith and extending longitudinally in one direction from said one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting longitudinally in the opposite direction from said body means passage from its frustoconical portion; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions 11. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconicai portion having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting longitudinally from its frustoconical portion; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.

12. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending axially outwardly in one longitudinal direction from the smaller end of said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having a extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension of converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions,

13. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; and interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.

14. ln a valve assembly as defined in claim 12; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.

15. in a valve assembly as defined in claim 13; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.

16. in a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said tubular actuating member communicating with the interior of said valve member; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said tubular actuating member to close the passage through said actuating member; said plug and actuating member being responsive to fluid pressure in said tubular valve member to be shifted longitudinally of said valve member by such fluid pressure to effect turning of said valve member in said body means.

17. ln apparatus as defined in claim 16; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.

18. in apparatus as defined in claim 16; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.

19. In apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a well bore: a tubular string in the well bore extending to the top thereof; a valve assembly in the well bore communicating with said tubular string; said assembly comprising tubular body means having one or more side ports communicating with the annulus between said tubular string and wall of the well bore, a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports, actuating means including an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means, means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating means to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions said actuating means communicating with said tubular string and the well bore below said actuating means, whereby fluid pressure in said tubular string and well bore below said actuating means may act on said actuating means to shift said actuating means longitudinally in said body means.

20. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; and said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.

21. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot.

22. in apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means, said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.

23. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot; said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.

24. ln apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a well bore: a tubular string in the well bore extending to the top thereof; a valve assembly in the well bore communicating with said tubular string; said assembly comprising tubular body means including an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from the upper end of said frustoconical portion, said one or more side ports communicating with the annulus between said tubular string and wall of the well bore, a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting upwardly from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion, actuating means including a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion, means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for convening longitudinal movement of said actuating means to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said actuating means communicating with said tubular string and the well bore below said actuating means, whereby fluid pressure in said tubular string and well bore below said actuating means may act on said actuating means to shift it longitudinally in said body means 25. in apparatus as defined in claim 24 said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.

26, In apparatus as defined in claim 24 said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension; said actuating means further including a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close the passage through said actuating member.

29;}33' UNlTED S'lATES lA'lEN'l 01mm CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patcfit 3,638,724 Dated February 1, 1972 4 Imm ral JOHN v6 SALERNI It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent; and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r mg

Column. 8, line 20 (claim 8, line 4) "and" should read --an-=--=; line 31 (claim 9, line 4) "and" should read --an--; line 59 (claim 10, line 12) "and" should read an -s Column 9, line 38 (claim 13, lirie 15 "and" should read --said-"-,

, Column 10, line 27 (claim 19, line 13), after positions insert a Column 12, line 2, after "24" insert a line 7, after "24" insert a Signed and sealed this 19th day of September 1912.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE TCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer r Commissioner -of Patents 

1. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports and a central passage adapted to communicate therewith and extending longitudinally in one direction from said one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means and extending with respect to said one or more side ports in the opposite longitudinal direction; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions.
 2. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said one or more side ports being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.
 3. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot.
 4. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 3; said one or more side ports being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.
 5. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member having a central passage communicating with said central passage of said body means and also having one or more side ports opening to said valve member passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.
 6. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 1; said valve member having a central passage communicating with said central passage of said body means and also having one or more side ports opening to said valve member passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said one or more side ports of said body means being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said one or more side ports of said valve member being in a frustoconical portion of said valve member disposed within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.
 7. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 3; said vaLve member having a central passage and one or more side ports opening to said passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said one or more side ports of said body means being in a frustoconical portion of said body means; said one or more side ports of said valve member being in a frustoconical portion of said valve member disposed within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.
 8. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.
 9. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said valve member having a central passage and one or more side ports opening to said passage and adapted to be located selectively out of or in communication with said one or more ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said actuating member having a passage communicating with said central passage; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close said actuating member passage; said plug and actuating member being responsive to fluid pressure in said central passage to be shifted longitudinally of said valve member by such fluid pressure to effect turning of said valve member in said body means.
 10. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a central passage adapted to communicate therewith and extending longitudinally in one direction from said one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting longitudinally in the opposite direction from said body means passage from its frustoconical portion; and actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions.
 11. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports; a valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting longitudinally from its frustoconical portion; an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said interconnecting meaNs comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.
 12. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending axially outwardly in one longitudinal direction from the smaller end of said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having a extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension of converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions.
 13. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; and interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.
 14. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 12; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.
 15. In a valve assembly as defined in claim 13; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.
 16. In a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow: tubular body means comprising a frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from said frustoconical portion; a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising a frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion; a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion; and means interconnecting said actuating member and extension for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating member to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said tubular actuating member communicating with the interior of said valve member; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said tubular actuating member to close the passage through said actuating member; said plug and actuating member being responsive to fluid pressure in said tubular valve member to be shifted longitudinally Of said valve member by such fluid pressure to effect turning of said valve member in said body means.
 17. In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means.
 18. In apparatus as defined in claim 16; said frustoconical portion of said valve member having one or more side ports selectively positionable out of or in communication with said one or more side ports of said body means upon rotation of said valve member in said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.
 19. In apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a well bore: a tubular string in the well bore extending to the top thereof; a valve assembly in the well bore communicating with said tubular string; said assembly comprising tubular body means having one or more side ports communicating with the annulus between said tubular string and wall of the well bore, a valve member rotatable in said body means to open and close said one or more side ports, actuating means including an actuating member shiftable longitudinally in said body means, means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating means to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions said actuating means communicating with said tubular string and the well bore below said actuating means, whereby fluid pressure in said tubular string and well bore below said actuating means may act on said actuating means to shift said actuating means longitudinally in said body means.
 20. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; and said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means.
 21. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot.
 22. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means, said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.
 23. In apparatus as defined in claim 19; said one or more side ports being in an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion of said body means; said valve member comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means; said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in one of said members, and a follower on the other of said members movable relatively in said slot; said actuating member being tubular to provide a passage therein; and a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close its passage.
 24. In apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a well bore: a tubular string in the well bore extending to the top thereof; a valve assembly in the well bore communicating with said tubular string; said assembly comprising tubular body means includiNg an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion having one or more side ports and a cylindrical portion extending from the upper end of said frustoconical portion, said one or more side ports communicating with the annulus between said tubular string and wall of the well bore, a tubular valve member rotatable in said body means and comprising an upwardly tapering frustoconical portion within and conforming to said frustoconical portion of said body means to open and close said one or more side ports upon rotation of said valve member, said valve member having an extension projecting upwardly from its frustoconical portion into said cylindrical portion, actuating means including a tubular actuating member slidable longitudinally in said cylindrical portion, means interconnecting said actuating member and valve member for converting longitudinal movement of said actuating means to rotary movement of said valve member between its port opening and closing positions; said actuating means communicating with said tubular string and the well bore below said actuating means, whereby fluid pressure in said tubular string and well bore below said actuating means may act on said actuating means to shift it longitudinally in said body means.
 25. In apparatus as defined in claim 24 said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension.
 26. In apparatus as defined in claim 24 said interconnecting means comprising an inclined longitudinal slot in said extension, and a follower on said actuating member slidable in said slot to rotate said valve member upon longitudinal movement of said actuating member relative to said extension; said actuating means further including a blanking plug adapted to be releasably latched in said actuating member to close the passage through said actuating member. 